Eleanor (Ellie) Celeste (Nelson) Bradford, peacefully passed away while holding the hand of her daughter on October 12, 2023, after a hard-fought battle with congestive heart failure. She fearlessly battled her recent health issues and no matter what was thrown at her, she always fought back. Many of the healthcare workers who took care of her described her as "Feisty." That word perfectly captures her spirit.

Eleanor was born June 25, 1937, in Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada to Harold and Margaret Nelson. She received her degree from Bryant & Stratton Business Institute and spent the majority of her professional career working for Pratt & Lambert Paint in Buffalo, New York as an Executive Assistant. She was known for her strong work ethic, a trait she instilled in her daughter Bonnie and granddaughter Zoe. Throughout her long career, she also proved to be a great friend to her colleagues. Besides her many years with P&L, she also worked for Pierce & Stevens, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York, and Atmos Origin Technology in Arlington, Texas. Her final and most cherished job was taking care of her beloved granddaughter Zoe Smith.

She was an amazing grandmother to Zoe. She was there every day picking her up from school, driving her to her various activities, and cheering her on at every competition. The one thing she did not like was being called "grandma", so when Zoe was little, the two of them came up with the name Puppy. So for the past 20+ years, almost everyone in her family affectionately called her "Puppy".

She was an incredible mother to her daughter Bonnie, raising her as a single parent and instilling in her the same strength and independence she possessed. She was Bonnie's biggest supporter and was always there for her whenever needed.

Eleanor is survived by her sister Beth Joray of South Bend, Indiana; her daughter Bonnie Lee Smith and son-in-law Richard "Buzz" Smith of Fort Worth, Texas; her granddaughter Zoe Kamryn Smith of Fort Worth, Texas; her niece Stephanie Feustel of South Bend, Indiana; her nephew Chris Joray of Johnson City, Tennessee; her great-nieces Sage and Sydney Feustel and grandchildren through marriage Jessica and Alison Smith.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her father Harold Leibert Nelson, in 1963, and her mother Margaret Amelia Nelson (McMillan), in 1997. Her wishes were to be cremated and she will be laid to rest alongside her parents in Rodney, Ontario, Canada.

Rest in peace, Puppy! Your family can't imagine this world without you here.